Terra Plana Gaia Boots

Charmone Dragonwell

NeuAura Arinos Black Croco

Toms Shoes Glitter

‘Tis the season to give and for many of us it’s gotten a bit harder. I wanted to share some wonderful options of fashionable giving for the conscientious eco shoe aficionados. The great thing about the following is they offer ways of giving no matter what time of year it is.

1. TOMS Shoes has provided shoes to over 300,000 children around the world since the inception of their One for One program. With every pair of TOMS Shoes that are purchased, TOMS gives a pair of new shoes to a child in need. Many of their comfortable shoes are vegan or made from recycled and local materials and produced under strict “no sweatshop” criteria.

2. It’s a bootie! It’s a shoe! It’s a sling back! I love Neuaura Shoes Arinos Black Croco. This animal friendly shoe versatility is unlimited.

Pair it with a pencil skirt, leggings, wide-leg trousers and beautiful soft bamboo jacket. Neuarua Shoes chooses 2 charities each season to donate 10% of all online sales. For more information check out their

3. From the High Tea Collection, Charmone’s Dragonwell vegan boot will get you over the river, through the woods to wherever you’re headed during the holidays in high eco style. The military inspired embellishments are a great look with skinny jeans. Sustainability and giving at Charmone Shoes starts with manufacturing shoes in sweatshop free environments, thereby providing living wages. 5% of all profits from their shoes are donated to charities that support people, animals and the environment.

4. Don’t just go green, go thigh high with these sexy boots. Kailia Footwear is where sustainability meets sexy Italian styling. Chiara is a handcrafted eco friendly boot that is sure to please for turn heads beyond the holiday. Compassion spurred the launch of Kailia’s sister brand, DoNi- Gift of Love, which exclusively helps numerous non-profit agencies with animal and environmental causes. Impressively, 100% of after-cost profits from on-line sales are donated to those organizations.

5. Saving the one of the best for last, I can’t even begin to describe my excitement when I first found these Terra Plana Gia Boots! The 2007 Ethical Fashion Award Winner never misses details with their shoes and this boot has it all! Whipstitching throughout, wooden heel, and a lining made from recycled memory foam. Talk about lighting up the Kinara or Menora, these veggie tanned boots are that hot! You can even select the detailing patchwork styling for the rear calf. One of the best forms of giving is to your friends; Terra Plana gives you 10% off when friends you recommend make a purchase from their site.

Regardless of how hard times can be, we each possess the power to give of ourselves. The thing about giving is you typically get more back especially when it’s done selflessly. My gift is to motivate you to consider adding fabulous eco shoes and compassionate manufacturers to your giving tree and help change the lives of others, animals and the environment in a fashionable way.

Happy Holidays!!!!

~Ar

I just had to share this great article that I found on The Green Bean Blog.com by Megan Barlow.

If you’re on the market for new footwear, why not try environmentally friendly shoes. With sneakers, flats, heels, and other designs available, there’s a style on the market that’s right for you. You don’t need to give up style and comfort in order to become a friend of the Earth.

Many people immediately think of Birkenstocks or moccasins when they hear the term “environmentally friendly shoes.” This should not be the case, because modern eco-friendly shoes don’t sacrifice style for their lower carbon footprint.

Environmentally-friendly shoes are made of organic or recycled materials. Their linings can be made from bamboo or recycled yarn. The outer layer of the shoe may be made from hemp, organic bamboo, or any other sustainable material. Their soles are often recycled from old tires, while their laces can be made from recycled plastic.

There are several companies that manufacture environmentally-friendly shoes. These companies make a conscious effort to decrease their carbon footprint with regards to their operations, including their processing, manufacturing, and shipping activities. Even large companies are working toward decreasing their carbon emissions by restructuring their processing methods in order to conserve energy.

Consumers should be well informed and should read the labels to find out whether the pair of shoes they’re considering buying are environmentally friendly. Often labels will include information regarding the total environmental impact of the footwear. Some manufacturers have a rating system with regard to the carbon footprint a pair has. If the product is said to be organic, then it should have a USDA label. Such a label certifies the product as having been made from natural materials without chemical processing. The health of the ecosystem where the sources of materials were grown will also be considered.

Many people also take fair trade into account when they select shoes. Farmers are among the worst treated professionals in the world. “Fair trade” means good working conditions, fair wages, and reasonable treatment of the environment. Fair trade also gives farmers the freedom to choose whom to trade their goods with. Additionally, GMOs and toxic pesticides are not allowed in the manufacturing of fair trade products.

Most environment ally friendly shoe manufacturers use minimal and biodegradable packaging to keep their carbon footprint low. Additionally, companies often donate part of their profit to organizations committed to the environment.

You can go online and do your research to find out where you can buy green footwear. Some retail stores have entire “green lines” because of the demand for such products. Buying and using environmentally-friendly shoes is one easy way to help care for our planet.

To read more sustainable lifestyle news, visit The Green Bean Blog and Megan Barlow at The Green Bean Blog.com

~Ar